Fairmont resort offers escape from technology

Admit it. You have a problem. That’s the first step to healing.

You’re not alone. You’ve seen others like you: the cell phone addict answering a call mid-movie; Blackberry junkies unable to negotiate their own lives unassisted; iPhone lemmings; hands-on lawbreakers and my husband – who wants to play Trio solitaire in church.

Don’t you think it’s time to get the monkey off your back?

When you’re ready to get clean, you’ll find detox support at Fairmont Chateau Whistler in British Columbia.

The recently introduced “Electronic Rehab Getaway” applies absolutely Draconian measures to scare you straight. You’ll relinquish all your electronic devices at check-in (horrors!), and sign a waiver allowing the hotel to lock them away during your stay.

While you’re jonesing for a high-tech fix, distract yourself with a round of golf at the hotel’s course, paddling along the River of Golden Dreams, hiking or biking the trails of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, saddling up and letting a horse do the work, or undoing some of the damage you’ve done with a specialty hand massage.

Getting healthy comes with a price. The package starts at $358 Canadian per room based on double occupancy. That also gets you a $200 activity credit, “hearty” breakfast buffet and “luxurious” digs.

And that’s what they call recovery.

Reserve your slot at www.Fairmont.com/ whistler/ or (800) 606-8244.

On the chain gang

I love cycling. I’ll even read about it on the sports page. Now that’s saying something.

I’ve confessed all this to you before, and now I have a whole new way to convince you to give it a try yourself – in Canada’s leading city for bicycle commuting. (Hey, no gas! See what I mean?)

The Victoria Cycling Festival, Sept. 18 to 21, showcases professional and recreational riders of all ages (kids included), abilities and presumably, fashion sense, for an entire weekend of two-wheeled fun.

It all kicks off on Thursday, “Legs and Lungs” day. The “grueling” Bear Mountain Hill Climb travels three kilometers to the Bear Mountain Golf Resort and Spa.

Ride it or watch it, as you prefer, then recuperate until Saturday with a massage, mani-pedi, bikini wax – whatever does it for you – at the fancy spa.

Then on the 20th, you’ll mount up, or watch the die-hard masochists mount up, for “Heart and Soul,” a criterium fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society

The denouement comes with Sunday’s “Guts and Glory,” a “twilight treat.” The Bastion Square Grand Prix attracts elite riders vying shoulder to shoulder for cash prizes.

If you have the nerve to sign up, you’ll find yourself in the company of the Canadian National Cycling Team.

Register at www.victoriacycling festival.com or (250) 384-8223.